Skype "Lite" release for Android and Java phones

Skype has announced the release of a lite (their spelling) version of Skype, a "thin" client for Skype that can be downloaded on Android-powered devices, as well as more than 100 other Java-enabled mobile phones.

The software now makes Skype software available to millions of mobile users worldwide, including for the first time, mobile users in the US.

The lite version lets users make Skype-to-Skype calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world, send and receive instant messages to/from individuals or groups - with operator's data rates applicable.

In addition, users can make Skype calls at low rates to people on landline or mobile phones and receive calls to their online personal phone number on Skype.

www.skype.com/go/mobiledownload includes a directory of the mobile phones currently supported while G1 users can download the beta version of Skype by visiting Android Market.

In addition, Skype has announced a version for Intel-based Mobile Internet Devices, Skype 1.0 Beta for MIDs, with more info at skype.com.